Cutting performances of TiCN–HfC and TiCN–HfC–WC ceramic tools in dry turning hardened AISI H13

Cutting performances of TiCN–HfC (TH) and TiCN–HfC–WC (THW) ceramic tools in dry turning hardened AISI H13 was investigated. The optimal cutting parameters – cutting speed of 110 m/min, feed rate of 0.1 mm/rev and depth of cut of 0.15 mm – were obtained by the orthogonal experiment. At the optimal cutting parameters, the tool life of TH was 82 min higher than that of THW, which indicated that TH had better wear resistance than THW. Meanwhile, the workpiece had better surface quality after turned by TH than by THW. In addition, a crescent depression formed in the rake face and a jackboot-like shape appeared in the flank. The rake face took place crater wear, while the flank took place abrasive wear, oxidation wear and adhesive wear.